Can a probation officer give you a violation for not being able to come up with funds to take a polygraph?

My guess is that they can. When you are on probation you still are responsible for your fines, fees, and whatever tests need to be done. They can be drug tests, polygraphs, or whatever they think you need to have done to comply with the sentence. It might not be fair, but it is legal. Probation Officers are law enforcement officers and have arresting powers, so they can send you back to jail and then you have to prove your case. Really, it is not worth it.

If the polygraph was part of the probation. Never heard anyone being ordered to take one of those, since they do not stand up in court as evidence. But if the judge ordered it as part of the probation, they can violate you for not taking the test. It is not the money you get violated for, it is failing to follow the judges orders. I know it is same issue but they don't do it because of the money, they do it because the test is not taken